Catalog (431)

A beautiful example of Shigaraki pottery—the result of techniques perfected over centuries by dedicated artisans residing in the provinces east of Kyoto. This piece, made by master potter Sugimoto Sadamitsu, achieves a kind of asymmetrical balance of both form and color, displaying classic Shigaraki markings of emerald green, red ochre, and pale ash.

Sugimoto (b. 1935) is one of the most important Shigaraki potters alive today and continues to create master works into his old age....

A very interesting chawan (tea bowl) dating from the Korean Joseon period (Richo in Japanese; 1392-1897). This particular piece appears to date from the 16th/ 17th century and comes with a very old box which appears to have been furnished sometime in Edo. The light creamy crackled glaze is smooth in the hand and fine hairline fractures radiate along the sides of the bowl contrasting nicely with the gold repairs. Such pieces have long been favored by learned cha-jin (tea people) and are quite pri...

Being based in Kyoto we occasionally come across fine Chinese and Korean tea-ware to mix in with our Japanese offerings. Here we have an example of a ceremonial tea bowl by a Korean potter Ji Sun Tak who dedicated his life to reviving ancient techniques of the past by excavating and documentation of a number of historic kiln sites on the Korean Peninsula. Surprisingly light in the hand this piece has a look refined through the centuries, the work of a master artist and winner of one of Koreas hi...

This magnificent Shino-yaki chawan, done in a rediscovered Momoyama period style, came from the kilns of one of Japan’s most celebrated and talented potters.

Arakawa Toyozo (1894 - 1985), designated in 1955 as one of but a handful of National Living Treasures, is best known for rediscovering lost techniques of pottery from the Momoyama and early Edo periods. In 1930 he discovered shards at the site of the ruins of an ogama style kiln at Mutabora proving that that Shino and Oribe g...

This large, finely crafted tsutsu chawan was done by renowned Meiji/ Taisho ceramic artist Suwa Sozan I.

Suwa Sozan (1852—1922) was born in an area of what is known today as Ishikawa prefecture. After a short stint in the military he took up pottery design and painting under Touda Tokuji in 1873. From this point forward, he divided his time mainly between Kanazawa and Tokyo working at a number of kilns and research institutes. While in Tokyo, he made the acquaintance of famed cons...

Signifying strength and resilience, bamboo—together with pine and plum (sho chiku bai)—is an auspicious symbols running through the heart of Japanese art and culture. The young bamboo depicted here—sprouting from a patch of rocks—were composed by one of the most renowned and loved waka poets of the 19th century, Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875).

Rengetsu was born into a Samurai family but was soon after adopted by the Ōtagaki family. From the age of seven to sixteen s...

This lovely Ido-gata shaped chawan has very nice asymmetrical balance highlighted by extensive and skillfully applied kintsugi gold repairs. The inside bottom of the bowl is covered in a green glaze resembling a carpet of fine moss which stands out nicely agains the backdrop of the ashen-colored crackled glazing of the walls of the bowl.

Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi or, beauty in the imperfect, cracks and repairs in a work of pottery are often seen as highlighting the h...

A lovely Shino tea bowl fashioned from coarse Mino clay and covered in a crackled feldspar glazing. The front of the bowl is decorated with paintings of abstract foliage—possibly the lilting leaves of a willow tree—and the base of the bowl is unglazed, displaying rough clay. The paintings, which are applied using a ferrous glaze, along with the han-zutsu shape (half cylinder) are very typical of this type of Shino-ware. This particular piece appears to date from early to mid-Edo, has an inte...

This lovely Shino tea bowl fashioned from coarse Mino clay and covered in a crackled feldspar glazing shows nice age and comes with what appears to be its original box.

Shino-ware dates to the Momoyama period when potters were attempting to recreate white porcelain-wares that were being imported from China at the time. Originally they were made in a single-chamber anagama style kilns set into the hillsides. Later, with the advent of large-batch noborigama, shino production fell out ...

Considered auspicious symbols of wealth, status, and good fortune; foo dogs—commonly referred to as shishi or koma-inu in Japan—are often seen in pairs guarding shrines, straddling the doorways of shops, and protecting public buildings. This fierce guardian appears to be made from bronze, has very detailed and skillful etching, and a wonderful patina that would place it sometime before the turn of the last century.

Guardian lions are commonly seen in pairs. The male is almost al...

One of the more innovative and international minded ceramicists on the Japanese pottery scene, Ryoji Koie’s interests and expertise cannot be confined to one narrow genre—as he often integrates non-traditional methods and materials. Born in the town of Tokonmae in 1938, from a young age he studied potting—a staple of the local economy—and later went on to do independent research, open his own kiln, travel widely participating in international conferences and workshops, and finally to bec...

During the Meiji period there were only five potters ever to be awarded the prestigious designation of Imperial Court Artist: Ito Tozan, Seifu Yohei III, Miyagawa Kozan, Itaya Hazan, and the artist whose work is featured here, Suwa Sozan. This mizusashi for tea ceremony is made of the finest “kinuta” celadon that Sozan was well known for—having recreated and perfected the technique used by the Chinese Song Dynasty potters. Being one of the main objects of importance in the tea ceremony rit...

This impressive Shino summer tea bowl was crafted using red clay from the hills near Izumo Taisha (one of the most ancient and important Shinto shrines in Japan). The creator of this work, Ajiki Hiro, gains his inspiration not only from classic Japanese potters, but also from forms he encountered on his travels abroad and from Western artists such as Picasso—who he admired greatly for his free style of expression and vibrant use of color.

Born in 1948, Ajiki is rather unique among...

This remarkable tea bowl is from the kilns of Yoshida Shuen (1940-1987)—an apprentice of Miwa Kyusetsu (1910-2012) who was awarded the status of Living National Treasure in 1983. It features a warm crackled glazing with a portion of the foot of the tea bowl exposed, displaying the reddish coarse clay that this piece is fashioned from.

Hagi-yaki has a tradition stretching back over 400 years and is a high-fired stoneware type of pottery. Hagi-ware is prized for its subdued colors a...

An excellent example of Japanese minimalist aesthetic that transcends its humble origins, this mizusashi, or fresh water pot used in tea ceremony, displays a classic Hagi glaze contrasting nicely with a lacquered wood cover. It separates itself from most pieces of this type by the addition of a pouring spout, which is quite unusual for this type of tea-ware implement.

Hagi-yaki has a tradition stretching back over 400 years and is a high-fired stoneware type of pottery. Hagi is priz...

A wonderful translucent blue celadon Tobi vase done in the classic style of Longquan Chinese pottery. This piece was made by one of the few great female Japanese potters of the previous century—Suwa Sozan II, daughter of Meiji Imperial Court Artist Sozan I.

Suwa Sozan I (1852—1922) was born in an area of what is known today as Ishikawa prefecture. After a short stint in the military he took up pottery design and painting under Touda Tokuji in 1873. From this point for...

This exceptionally well-formed tea bowl displays highlights of flaxen and scarlet visible through a classic black glaze. Raku tea bowls such as this are made by hand, without the use of a potter's wheel. In the process of shaping the bowls, potters handle the tea bowls in much the same manner that users will hold them as they drink from them. In this manner, a connection is formed between the creator of the tea bowl and the participants in the tea ceremony. For this and other reasons, Raku bowls...

This lovely Shino tea bowl from the Edo period is fashioned from coarse Mino clay and is covered in feldspar glazing. As with many pieces of this period and style, it has classic abstract painting across the sides created using ferrous pigment—contrasting nicely with the ivory background. Not only does this piece have a lovely wabi feel to it bestowed by age; it also has several exquisite gold repairs that contrast nicely with the soft patina and the crackled glazing.

Shino-ware d...

Comfortable in the hand and with a unique textured black Raku glaze, this tea bowl by 20th century potter Samukawa Seiho would make a fine addition for collector and practicing tea devotee alike.

Born in Osaka at the very end of the 19th century, at a young age his family moved to Kyoto where he would later take up an apprenticeship under well-known potter Sawada Sozan. After achieving a high degree of skill in his craft, he then took a position with a ceramics company where he work...

A highly original work by Iga potter Nakata Atsushi. The description on the box reads “Mentori Chawan” in this case “men” meaning side, or edge, and “tori” meaning to shear off, or to remove. The name describes how various surfaces of the tea bowl have been shaved off at angles to create this compelling form. As can be seen in the images above, the shaved edges are highlighted by alternating dark and light surfaces with different glazing techniques.

Born in Toyama Prefec...

Heavily influenced by Koryo potting styles and techniques, the Tobei lineage has been crafting exceptional tea-ware implements for 13 generations. The piece shown here was made by the 12th generation (Tahara) and, due to its excellent character, was endorsed by the 15th tea master of the Urasenke School of Tea, Hōunsai. Like much of Tahara pottery, the natural ash glaze displays glossy lavenders, light tans, and hues of ivory. Near the foot of the bowl you can see characteristic dark circles di...

In Asian folklore, the peach is said to represent long-life for mortals and immortality for the gods. According to legend, the moon goddess—a powerful alchemist—can make an elixir from peaches that grow in the garden of the western paradise with miraculous revitalizing properties. Here we have an exceptionally rare set of sake cups by Suwa Sozan, one of only 5 Imperial Court Artists from Meiji. Sozan spent his life perfecting techniques for celadon production first used in the Souther Song D...

Here we see a Chinese style celadon floral bowl by one of the 5 Imperial Court Artists of Meiji. The potter, Sozan, spent his life perfecting techniques for celadon production first used in the Southern Song Dynasty as evidenced here with his powdery blue “kinuta” glaze. The low-relief floral design really brings an elegance to this work and the celadon glaze seems to have an inner radiance all its own.

Sozan (the first) was born in an area of what is known today as ...

Like many pottery traditions in Japan, Karatsu takes its name from the city where it originated. As early as the 15th century, Korean potters heavily influenced the development of this form—helping to endow it with the earthy, simple, and natural qualities it is so appreciated for. The piece shown here displays an austere black glaze providing the perfect backdrop for the extensive and expertly applied gold repairs— making this antique tea bowl quite attractive, a pleasure to use...

Simple, elegant, and functional, this Meiji period kyūsu (teapot) was crafted with precision and care by one of the periods most accomplished ceramicists. Showcasing refined beauty and delicate craftsmanship for which Japanese porcelain is renowned, its smooth and lustrous white glaze exudes an air of purity and simplicity. Most importantly, its ergonomic shape and comfortable grip, along with its clean lines and minimalist design, help contribute to a sense of tranquility and harmo...

The poem etched on the side of this exceptional piece reads: In the future — happiness — and long life — two sprouting leaves —to grow a thousand years. Indeed a positive message, perhaps to accompany a warm cup of sake on a quiet winters evening.

Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875) was born into a Samurai family but soon after adopted by the Ōtagaki family, from the age of seven to sixteen she was a lady in waiting at Kameoka castle where she was trained in the arts ...

This small vessel, similar in a shape to a tokkuri, is a fine example of Oni Shino (carbon trap and natural ash glazing) that Tsukigata is so well-known for. Coining the term in the mid-50’s after countless failed experiments—which ultimately culminated in the discovery of this unique style of pottery—“Oni” translates roughly to demon or ogre. Fired at extreme temperatures for days in an anagama, the iron in the clay and in the glaze fuse, drip, and coalesce—while at the same time bl...

A beautiful and delicate white porcelain composition with low-relief molded seashell design lining the inside. The overall condition of the bowl and several oxidation marks on the bottom suggest considerable age—at least several hundred years. The box lid bears the character “定” which can be translated as “truth” or “certainty.” The origin of this piece is unknown, though the previous owner regarded it as Chinese (Northern Song). Skillfully applied gold repairs give this sub...

A refined and elegant work of Hagi-ware done by a master potter who is not only a direct descent of the Hagi forebears, but who also credited with having revive the tradition when it fell out of practice. This piece features a well-formed kodai (foot), an exceptionally nice Hagi glaze and several “ishi-haze” or marks from small stones that partially explode in the kiln. Judging by the box and the signs of aging on the work itself, this appears to be an early work by this potter.

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A tradition dating from the mid-16th century, Raku teabowls are made by hand, without the use of a potter's wheel; giving them a distinctly human feel. In the process of shaping the bowls, potters handle the tea bowls in much the same manner that users will hold them as they drink from them. In this way, we can imagine a connection is formed between the creator of the tea bowl and the participants in the tea ceremony. For this and other reasons stemming from historical circumstances, Raku bowls ...

A powerful work of Shino pottery by one of the veterans of Mino ceramics. Vibrant lines of white feldspar contrast sharply with the iron rich clay and glaze to bring out this abstract depiction of field grasses swaying in the breeze. The technique used to produce this work is over 400 years old and was nearly lost to the ages before being revived by several well-known artists in the mid-20th century.

Born in 1941 in Taijima, Tamaoki began his studies at a very early age; apprentici...

Oribe is a visual style named after the late-16th-century tea master Furuta Oribe (1544-1615). Kuro Oribe pieces are the most common with their jet-black glazes and feldspar ornamentation tending towards the minimalistic, abstract; and, some would say, Zen-like aesthetic. While the piece shown here is not entirely typical of Oribe pieces, the black glaze, contrast window, and unmistakable kutsugata shape all point to this genre of Minō pottery. Unlike your typical Oribe tea bowl, th...

Know more for his works of powdery-blue celadon, on occasion Sozan also produced fine white porcelains as well. This delicately-crafted porcelain kashibachi (sweets bowl) is one such example. Displaying a wonderful low-relief vine and leaf pattern on a backdrop of nearly eggshell thin ivory-white porcelain—this is a rare and interesting composition by Sozan I.

Suwa Sozan I (1852—1922) was born in an area of what is known today as Ishikawa prefecture. After a short stint in the m...

The gray-blue celadon displays finely crackled glazing with areas slightly darkened by time. A faint pattern made of white inlay can be seen along the upper rim, complimented in several areas by antique kintsugi repairs. The maki-e gold repair at the base—with its design of half waves and half flowering vines—though quite old, seem not quite so old as the repairs along the rim. The small delicate kodai (foot) supports this fine work with grace and effortlessness.

Though the exac...

A work of perfection by one of Japan’s most admired ceramic artists. This piece by Nakajima Hiroshi demonstrates his mastery of the art of celadon pottery.

Born in 1941 in Hiroshima prefecture, at the age of 28 he established his own kiln and became an independent potter. 1n 1977 he received honorable mention in the Japan Tradional Applied Fine Arts Exhibition. In 1983 he received the Prime Minister’s Award at the first annual Western Japan Ceramic Fair and later in 1983 he was ...

The inside of the bowl is painted with cherry tree boughs laden with blossoms—done in a dazzling underglaze blue-and-white porcelain distinctive of Imari-wares. Below, the trunks of the trees can be seen grounded in a grassy field resting on an abstract ring of karakusa (arabesque). The center of the bowl displays a fashioned wreath of cherry blossoms strung together with field grasses. The outside of the bowl shows darkly pigmented cherry blossoms and berries running around the circumference ...